The first supporting question, “What are the conditions required for a territory to become a state?” helps students use sources to unwrap the context of the time and topic being examined. Dakota Territory was created in 1861. In 1889 it became two new states.
- What was the process the territory went through to get to that point and become two states?
- What was it like to live in North Dakota during this time?
- What does the state constitution tell you about North Dakota and it's values?
Work with your school librarian or media specialist to support students as they get started on the following research project. Assist them in identifying a variety of secondary and primary sources that will help them understand the historic context of how a territory becomes a state, especially as it relates to North Dakota. Have them search encyclopedias, Wikipedia, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the State Historical Society of North Dakota and other libraries, archives, and museums to gather basic information to develop a summary or essay of what they discovered about the topic.
Complete the following task using the sources they found to build a context of the time period and topic being examined.
Formative Performance Task 1
Working individually or in groups, students will research the process followed for statehood, and what North Dakota was like during this time. Students will log their research in an outline that requires them to cite their work and use valid sources. They will develop their outline into an essay.
Featured Sources 1
For this section, students will be required to find sources themselves.
Learn more about government in North Dakota by visiting the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum and reading through the state constitution
Learn more about citizenship in North Dakota by visiting the Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site.